Porous Membrane IR Biomolecule Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared spectrophotometric methods for quantitating biomolecules require generating a calibration curve each time, are cumbersome, and struggle with accurate analysis of small sample volumes due to interference from water and uneven sample distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method using a porous membrane with a hydrophilic region surrounded by a hydrophobic region for sample containment, allowing for direct infrared analysis without the need for a calibration curve each time, and utilizing surfactants or heat treatment to ensure accurate and uniform sample drying and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If colorimetric or UV spectroscopic techniques are used for quantitation, then biomolecules can be quantitated, but a calibration curve must be generated each time using the same molecule as the analyte
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the porous membrane to create permanent hydrophobic regions that contain samples during drying. This pre-established sample containment structure eliminates the need for repeated calibration procedures, as the membrane's hydrophobic barriers are permanently formed through plasma or heat treatment before use, allowing direct quantitation without time-consuming calibration curve generation each time
2Quantity of substance
If small sample volumes are analyzed by conventional IR methods, then sample consumption is reduced, but water interference and uneven sample distribution prevent accurate analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating localized hydrophobic regions on the porous membrane that specifically contain the sample in defined areas. These hydrophobic zones are spatially distributed to ensure uniform sample distribution during drying, while the hydrophilic regions allow small sample volumes to be effectively contained and dried without water interference, enabling accurate IR analysis of minute samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by employing a porous membrane with controlled pore structure that facilitates efficient drying of small sample volumes. The porous structure allows rapid water evaporation while the hydrophobic regions prevent sample loss, enabling accurate IR analysis of very small sample volumes (nanoliter to picoliter range) without water interference
3Manufacturing precision
If a hydrophilic porous membrane is used for sample containment, then sample distribution is improved, but the hydrophobic barrier is insufficient without additional treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface energy characteristics of the porous membrane through plasma treatment or heat treatment. These treatments permanently alter the membrane's wettability parameters, creating hydrophobic regions with reduced surface energy that effectively contain samples. The treatment transforms the membrane from uniformly hydrophilic to having spatially differentiated hydrophobic and hydrophilic zones, achieving both uniform sample distribution and effective containment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate quantitation of biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipopolysaccharides with small sample volumes, eliminating the need for repeated calibration and improving analysis precision by ensuring sample dryness and uniform distribution.
Implementation Method 1
providing a sample holder comprising a porous membrane which comprises a hydrophilic region surrounded by a hydrophobic region for sample containment
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophobic region is created either by plasma treatment of a hydrophilic porous membrane or wherein the hydrophobic region is created by heat treatment of a hydrophilic porous membrane
Implementation Method 3
exposing the sample volume on the membrane to an infrared beam having a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the hydrophilic region, and comprising a wavelength in the spectral range of 4000-400 cm-1
Implementation Method 4
Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a commonly used analytical tool in research laboratories for analysis of samples
Implementation Method 5
the hydrophobic region is created either by plasma treatment of a hydrophilic porous membrane
Implementation Method 6
the hydrophobic region is created by heat treatment of a hydrophilic porous membrane
Implementation Method 7
drying the sample volume on the membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for quantitation of one or more biomolecules in a sample, the method comprising the steps of providing a sample holder comprising a porous membrane which comprises a hydrophilic region surrounded by a hydrophobic region for sample containment, contacting the hydrophilic region of the membrane with a sample volume, drying the sample volume on the membrane, and exposing the sample volume on the membrane to an infrared beam comprising a wavelength in the spectral range of 4000-400 cm-1 or any portion of the spectral range of 4000-400 cm-1, thereby to obtain an infrared absorption spectrum and wherein one or more absorption peak areas in the infrared absorption spectrum correlates with the quantity of the one or more biomolecules in the sample.